Citation :

Abhitha Madhav Kumar, "Development and Evaluation of HEC-Agar-Citric Acid-Based Hydrogel for Soil Moisture Retention," International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 8-13, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V13I3P102

Abstract

Agriculture is facing a serious challenge due to water scarcity, especially in arid areas with low water retention capacity. The present study involves the preparation of the biodegradable hydrogels using Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Agar, and Citric Acid for enhancing the water holding capacity of soil. The hydrogel was formulated with different concentrations of the polymer (120 formulations) and was tested for swelling and desiccation. The most effective formulations were tested on soil in the field for 14 days. The results showed that the water-retaining ability of the soil was enhanced by the use of the hydrogel and that some formulations showed water retention and water desiccation for a longer period of time. The best were Sample 96 and Sample 99. This study highlights the potential of biopolymer-based hydrogels as a sustainable substitute for chemical soil conditioners and the significance of formulation and long-term performance as a guide for their use in agriculture.

Keywords

Biodegradable Hydrogels, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Agar, Citric Acid, Water Retention, Soil Conditioners.

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